REGINA INTER-ZONE SOCCER U12, U14, and U19 RULES 2018 Version (11 versus 11 Soccer)

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1 Introduction: REGINA INTER-ZONE SOCCER U12, U14, and U19 RULES 2018 Version (11 versus 11 Soccer) Regina Inter-zone Soccer encourages good sporting behavious and team spirit. Cheering and praise of all players and their accomplishments are encouraged regardless of the team they are on. Booing, taunting, swearing or any other negative activity is not tolerated. Coaches, team officials, players, parents and team supporters are not to criticize game officials at any time and shall encourage good sporting behaviours towards all. Regina Inter-zone Soccer games will be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as published by the Canadian Soccer Association and FIFA as adapted for our league and described below. These rules reflect as best they can the FIFA Laws of the Game 2017/2018 for outdoor soccer. We have developed these soccer rules so as to best interpret the intent and spirit of the game of soccer while taking into account the obvious limitations of smaller fields of play and the age of the participants. The purpose of our league is for fun and exercise, not winning. The emphasis during games is on player safety and involvement. Although there are elements of competition, we strive for a balance with team work, personal development and enjoyment of the game. U12, U14 and U19 Age Groups At the ages of 12 to 19 years old, the game continues with its emphasis on individual skill development and team development. Players are required to closely adhere to the FIFA rules of soccer. The players are still expected to learn respect as part of the game, as well as more detailed actions, team strategies and communications, and general rules that make up the game of soccer. Coaches are encouraged to try to advance their team as much as possible supporting the players as they learn the complexities of the game of soccer. Support to players as they build personal confidence and emotion control contributes to keeping players interested in playing the game and improving their skills. The key aspects to this age group are that the players: continue to learn to socialize properly understand the importance of playing together as a team continue to practice fair play and good sporting behaviours learn to follow detailed instruction and team strategy learn the importance of positional play have fun in a structured game. To this end, these rules are designed to advance the sport and infuse the need for respect on the field during any game towards officials, coaches, spectators, and the other players as well. 1

2 Law 1: The Field of Play: 1. Field Sizes: The field sizes are dictated by the available City of Regina assigned fields. Games will be played on an athletic sized field with lines to designate areas of the field. (i.e. penalty area, goal area, halfway line, centre circle, touch lines and goal lines) 2. Flags: Flags will be used as corner markers, and centre markers. (3 flags per team required) 3. Field Markings: The GOAL AREA is a rectangle centred on the goal line and containing the goal posts. The PENALTY MARK is 11 metres from the goal line - directly in front of the centre of the goal. The PENALTY AREA is a larger rectangle centred on the goal line and containing the goal area and the Penalty Mark. The CENTRE CIRCLE is located at mid-field and contains a Centre Mark. The FLAG POLES are to be set at equal heights at both ends of the field on the corners and at Centre along the touch lines. The lines that define the field of play belong to the areas of which they are boundaries. Goal Line Goal Corner Arc Goal Area Corner Flag Penalty Area Touch line Centre Flag Centre Circle and Halfway Line Centre Mark Team Technical Area Penalty Mark 4. No coach, team official or player may enter the field of play or stand behind either goal while the game is on, unless they have the referee's permission. Each team and their coaches will confine themselves to the technical area on their half of the field. The two teams will be positioned on the same side of the field. Coaches and their players are responsible for their team supporters which should be positioned on the opposite side of the field from the players. 2

3 Law 2: The Ball: 1. The game ball will be a league issued ball appropriate in size for the age group. A size 4 ball will be used for the U12 age group and a size 5 ball for the ages of 14 to 19 years. 2. The game ball is selected by the referee and may not be changed during the match without the referee s permission. 3. Replacement of a defective ball: If the ball becomes defective then play is stopped and restarted by dropping the replacement ball where the original ball became defective. 4. If the ball becomes defective at a kick-off, goal kick, corner kick, free kick, penalty kick or throw-in the restart is retaken. If the ball becomes defective during a penalty kick or kicks from the penalty mark as it moves forward and before it touches a player, crossbar or goalposts the penalty kick is retaken. Law 3: The Players: 1. Number of Players: A match is played by two teams, each with a maximum of eleven players; one must be the goalkeeper. Each team must have 7 players for the game to commence or continue, however the opposition can field all 11 players, if they so choose. 2. Approximately equal playing time is the goal of the league. Each player, other than the goalkeeper, MUST be substituted so as to allow everyone to participate in the game. If any player is sick or injured and would not be able to participate equally, then the referee must be informed during a stoppage in play. Coaches are strongly advised to give all of their players an equal amount of playing time during all game periods including overtime. 3. If at half time either team s coach feels the equal play rule has been breached, they are to lodge a complaint with the referee. The referee will advise the offending team and if the referee feels that during the second half this situation has not been rectified the referee may issue disciplinary sanctions against the coach and will report the situation to the league. Violations may be punished by a Caution or Sending-off or the game may be suspended. 4. Substitutions: Each team is allowed unlimited substitutions, but must have referee's permission. Team must have possession of the ball at a stoppage of play in order to substitute; unless, the other team who has possession is making substitutions. Substitutions on both teams are allowed after a goal has been scored but before the play has been restarted. The referee will advise the Coach when there is 4 minutes remaining in the half. This is strictly as a warning that the half is nearly over. Substitutions may occur during this period of time. The referee is at liberty to refuse any substitutions if the referee is of the opinion that the substituting team is gaining an unfair advantage or the substitution is being used to delay the game. 5. Goalkeepers- Goalkeepers may be changed at any time during the game, during overtime or during a shootout. Substitutions of goalkeepers must occur at a stoppage of play and only with the permission of the referee. The referee must be notified and approve any change in goalkeeper (other than at half time), prior to the change taking place. The opposing coach does not need to be notified of a change in keeper nor do they have to give permission for the change to take place. A Caution may be given to a player who changes places with the goalkeeper during play or without the referee s permission. 3

4 6. Substitution Procedure: To replace a player with a substitute, the following must be observed: the referee must be informed before any substitution is made; the player being substituted receives the referee s permission to leave the field of play, unless already off the field; the player being replaced should leave at the halfway line and takes no further part in the match, except where return substitutions are permitted; the player who is injured may leave the field at any boundary line; if a player who is to be replaced refuses to leave, play continues. The substitute only enters: during a stoppage in play at the halfway line after the player being replaced has left after receiving a signal from the referee The substitution is completed when a substitute enters the field of play; from that moment, the replaced player becomes a substituted player and the substitute becomes a player and can take any restart. Substitutes can take any restart provided they first enter the field of play and become a player. If a substitution is made during the half-time interval or before extra time, the procedure must be completed before the match restarts. All substituted players and substitutes are subject to the referee s authority whether they play or not. 7. Players and substitutes sent off A player who is sent-off before the kick-off may be replaced by another player. After the kick-off a player sent-off cannot be replaced. 8. Only registered Inter-zone soccer players are allowed to play: Each team will only be allowed to field its league designated and assigned players (except as described under Guest Players ). 9. Modifications to Rules: There may be situations where there are insufficient number of players on one or both teams, and it is in the best interests of the game for the referee and coaches to modify the rules so as to allow a fair game to be played. Modifications may be made to the number of players on the field of play or players may be shared between the teams in order to allow a game to be played. These game modifications should be encouraged so as to provide a fun playing experience but the changes must be agreed to by the respective coaches and the referee. Modifications must be made either before the game, or at halftime. If a team has an insufficient number of players at any other time during the game, that team must default the game (per Law 3 - minimum number of players). 10. Guest Players: During regular season play, there may be occasions when a team has insufficient numbers of players who show up for a match. The coach may recruit other players from other Inter-Zone teams to play as guest substitutes for the team. The coach must receive consent from the referee before these guest players will be permitted to play and before the match can start. Coaches are encouraged to come to an agreement that allows games to be played. The guest substitutes must be registered in one of the Inter-Zone soccer associations in order to play. Guest players can play in their own age group or move up in age. Guest players are not permitted to play down to younger age groups. If a team plays with guest players and the coach has not requested consent from the referee, the referee may exclude the guest players from further play and will report the matter to the league for further action. Teams may recruit guest players to a maximum of twice the minimum number of players (7) as defined in Law 3. The number of guest players plus registered team players would be to a maximum of 14 players (2 times 7). If more than these numbers of players on the roster are available to play then guest players are not allowed. Once the referee has allowed guest players to play for a team these players are allowed to play for the team for the entire game even if late players have arrived to join the team and the total number of players exceeds the sufficient number of players. (For example, if a team had 9 players show up for play, the coach could recruit 5 Guest Players to equal a total of 14. If 14 players showed up to play then no Guest Players could be recruited.) 4

5 During tournament play, no guest substitutes are allowed unless tournament rules so specify. All players must be registered on the team that is competing. 11. Extra persons on the field of play: The coach and other officials on the team are considered to be team officials. Anyone not associated in an official capacity with the team is considered as an outside agent. If a team official, substitute, substituted player or outside agent enters the field of play the referee must: stop play only if there is interference with play have the person removed from play when play stops take appropriate disciplinary action If play is stopped and interference was by: a team official, substitute or substituted player then play restarts with a direct free kick or penalty kick an outside agent then play restarts by a dropped ball. If play is not stopped then the referee may deal with the unauthorized entry onto the field of play or interference at the next stoppage of play. If a ball is going into a goal and the interference does not prevent a defending player from playing the ball, the goal is awarded if the ball enters the goal (even if contact was made with the ball). 12. Player outside the field of play: If a player who requires the referee s permission to re-enter the field of play re-enters without the referee s permission, the referee must: stop play (not immediately if the player does not interfere with play or a match official or if the advantage can be applied) caution the player for entering the field of play without permission order the player to leave the field of play If the referee stops play, it must be restarted: with a direct free kick from the position of the interference with an indirect free kick from the position of the ball when play was stopped if there was no interference A player who crosses a boundary line as part of a playing movement, does not commit an infringement. 13. Goal scored with an extra player on the field: If, after a goal is scored, the referee realises, before play restarts, an extra person was on the field of play when the goal was scored: the referee must disallow the goal if the extra person was: a player, substitute, substituted player, sent off player or team official of the team that scored the goal; play is restarted with a direct free kick from the position of the extra person an outside agent who interfered with play unless a goal results as outlined above in extra persons on the field of play Play is restarted with a goal kick, corner kick or dropped ball. the referee must allow the goal if the extra person was: a player, substitute, substituted player, sent off player or team official of the team that conceded the goal an outside agent who did not interfere with play In all cases, the referee must have the extra person removed from the field of play. If, after a goal is scored and play has restarted, the referee realises an extra person was on the field of play when the goal was scored, the goal cannot be disallowed. If the extra person is still on the field the referee must: stop play have the extra person removed restart with a dropped ball or free kick as appropriate The referee must report the incident to the league. 5

6 Law 4: The Player s Equipment: The following rules are for player protection, it is up to all coaches to ensure that they are followed for every player at every game. 1. Players will not wear anything which endangers themselves or other players (including any kind of jewellery). It is strongly recommended that jewellery be removed. If it cannot be removed it must be covered with tape or other such material. All non-prescription glasses must be removed. Casts, guards and braces that run up the knee or cover the arms are strictly prohibited unless covered or padded by some soft material to protect other players from injury. The referee must inspect and approve the covering of jewellery, casts, guards and braces before play is allowed. Goalkeepers may wear volleyball style knee pads. Medic alert bracelets, anklets, necklets, etc. are permitted but may need to be taped to make them safe. 2. Compulsory equipment will consist of a numbered shirt or jersey, shorts, socks, shin pads and footwear designed for outdoor use such as athletic runners or soccer footware with rubber cleats. Footwear with metal cleats is not allowed. (All players must have this equipment at every game failure by any player to wear proper footwear and protective shin pads will result in the player being unable to play that game.) The shirts should be tucked in. Shin pads must be fully covered by socks or sweatpants. Cycling or other types of athletic shorts are permitted. Jeans, jean shorts, or any bottoms with belt loops will not be permitted. All players on the same team will wear the same colored shirts and will not have identical numbers. ANY PLAYER OR TEAM DEFACING UNIFORM(S) WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PLAY UNTIL THE UNIFORM(S) HAS BEEN REPLACED. 3. The goalkeeper must wear a jersey or pinnie different in colour than either team or the referee. Team colors should not conflict with those of the official uniform for referees (black). If available pinnies may be worn by one of the teams when two teams are wearing similar colors or when a team wears colors that may be confused with the referee. (Referees are permitted to wear referee jerseys or pinnies of colors other than black as long as they do not conflict with team or goalkeeper colors.) 4. Players are not allowed to play wearing baseball hats, bandanas or other headwear unless for religious or medical reasons. As per FIFA directives, religious headscarves, hijabs, turbans, patkas, or keskis, or specialized medical headwear are allowed to be worn by players but they must be inspected by the referee before each game to ensure they are safe and do not pose a danger to the wearer or to other participants. Non-dangerous protective equipment, for example facemasks and knee and arm protectors made of soft, lightweight padded material is permitted as are goalkeepers caps and sports spectacles. 5. No article of clothing that covers the neck such as a neck scarf will be allowed. In the case of cold weather the referee may allow players to wear toques or hooded sweat shirts. Neck ties or laces on hoodies are not to be tied around the neck and are to be tucked into the clothing. In the case of cold weather the referee may allow players to wear light gloves. 6. Offenses: For any offence play need not be stopped and the player: is instructed by the referee to leave the field of play to correct the equipment leaves when play stops, unless the equipment has already been corrected A player who leaves the field of play to correct or change equipment must: have the equipment checked by a match official before being allowed to re-enter only re-enter with the referee s permission (which may be given during play) A player who refuses to comply with referee instructions or wears the item again must be cautioned (Yellow Card). If a player re-enters the field of play without the referee s permission they may be issued a caution (Yellow Card) as per Law 11 and an indirect free kick is awarded from the position of the ball when play was stopped. 7. A player whose footwear or shin-guard is lost accidentally must replace it as soon as possible and no later than when the ball next goes out of play; if before doing so the player plays the ball and/or scores a goal, the goal is awarded. 6

7 8. Safety: For player safety, players are not to chew gum, or have in their mouths any candy, sunflower seeds, or other materials. These materials present a choking hazard. Mouth guards are allowed to be worn as long as the devices cannot be swallowed. Law 5: The Referee: 1. Each referee is appointed by the league. The referee has the authority to take disciplinary action from entering the field of play for the pre-match inspection until leaving the field of play after the match ends (including kicks from the penalty mark). Players committing a serious offence before or after the game will be reported to the league s Discipline Committee. Referees are empowered to give a player a red card before the match kicks off. Officials can punish red-card offences (e.g. violent conduct) in the warm-up or as the two teams line up for entry to the field. A player may be sent off any time between the pre-match inspection and when the referee leaves the field at the end of the game. Free-kicks and even card penalties can be awarded if members of the team, playing or non-playing, off the field of play cause the game to be stopped. 2. Powers and Duties: The referee will: a) enforce the Laws of the Game and the regulations of the competition; b) decide if the ball, the playing area, and other equipment are suitable; c) ensures that the player s equipment meets the requirements of Law 4; d) signal the start of the game, the restart after a stoppage, and the end of play; e) act as the official timekeeper of the match controlling the start and stoppage of play; f) keep a record of the game including the score and the name and number of any player who is cautioned (Yellow Card) or sent from the playing area or its vicinity (Red Card); g) have discretionary power to stop, suspend, or terminate the game for any infringement of the Laws, as a result of any kind of outside interference (for example, interference by spectators), or any other cause; h) stop the game if, in the opinion of the referee, a player is seriously injured, and ensure that this player is removed from the playing area, or allow play to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is, in their opinion, only slightly injured; i) require that a player who is bleeding leave the playing area and be assisted by a coach. A substitute must replace the affected player. The bleeding must be stopped and the wound covered before the player is allowed to return to the playing area. If any part of the player s uniform is saturated with blood, that part of the uniform must be changed before the player can return to the game. Referee s discretion will determine if a bleeding situation has been sufficiently managed to allow a player s return to the playing area. The referee will also ensure that any blood on the playing area is duly cleaned up; j) refrain from penalizing in cases where the referee is satisfied that, by doing so, an advantage would be given to the offending team; or allow play to continue if the team against which an offence has been committed stands to benefit from such an advantage, and penalize the original offence if the anticipated advantage does not ensue; k) caution (Yellow Card) any player guilty of misconduct or unsporting behavior, and, if the offender persists, suspend such person from further participation in the game (Red Card); 7

8 l) send from the playing area and its vicinity (Red Card) any player who, in the opinion of the referee, is guilty of serious misconduct, violent conduct or serious foul play, or the use of foul or abusive language; m) punish the more serious offence if a player commits more than one offence at the same time; n) control who may enter or leave the playing area; o) warn, caution or send off any coach or team official guilty of misconduct or unsporting behaviour, and if the offender persists, suspend such person from further participation in the game; p) warn or send off any parent, spectator, or team supporter guilty of offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures; acts of misconduct, harassment, verbal abuse, foul language or abuse of the referee; q) report, in writing, to the appropriate league authority, any misconduct by players, coaches, spectators or other persons which takes place on the playing area or within its vicinity at any time prior to, during, or after the game. 3. Decisions will be made to the best of the referee s ability according to the Laws of the Game and the spirit of the game and will be based on the opinion of the referee who has the discretion to take appropriate action within the framework of the Laws of the Game. 4. The decisions of the referees regarding facts connected with play including whether or not a goal is scored and the results of the match are final. The decisions of the referee, and all other match officials, must always be respected. The referee may only change a decision if they realize that it is incorrect or if they deem it necessary to do so, provided that play has not restarted or the match has not ended. This change of decision would also include those circumstances where a Yellow card was issued and upon reflection the referee determines that a Red card was more appropriate based on the severity of the misconduct. 5. The Advantage Rule: The advantage rule means the referee will not stop the play for a foul if the non-offending team has gained an advantage (e.g. possession of the ball). Once the advantage has been given the referee cannot reverse the call. The advantage is given at the referee's discretion and may or may not be used depending on the game situation. At the next whistle the referee may warn, yellow card or red card the guilty player. 6. Bad Weather (Rain, Lightning, etc.): At all times referees and coaches must put the safety of the players first. In the case of rain, if the grass becomes slippery where player safety is endangered or the field is at risk of extensive damage, or any other situation exists which jeopardizes the safety of any participants, the game MUST be suspended. (The field is not suitable for play, if you step on the turf and moisture can be detected around your shoe). Referees and coaches must also consider player safety when encountering heat warnings and air quality warnings as issued by public health agencies or Environment Canada. These situations are judgement calls on the part of the referee and coaches with the referee having the final decision. In the case of lightning, the game will be suspended immediately upon the 1 st sighting. (Refer to the West Zone Soccer Association Lightening Policy.) Law 6: The Assistant Referee: 1. The League will designate assistant referees to assist the referee. They will assist the referee in controlling the match in accordance with the Laws of the Game but the final decision will always be taken by the referee. 2. The match officials operate under the direction of the referee. In the event of undue interference or improper conduct, the referee will relieve them of their duties and make a report to the appropriate authorities. 8

9 3. They assist the referee with offences and infringements when they have a clearer view than the referee and they must submit a report to the appropriate authorities on any serious misconduct or other incident that occurred out of the view of the referee and the other match officials. They must advise the referee and other match officials of any report being made. 4. The match officials assist the referee with inspecting the field of play, the balls and players equipment (including if problems have been resolved) and maintaining records of time, goals, misconduct etc. 5. Assistant Referees will indicate when: the whole of the ball leaves the field of play and which team is entitled to a corner kick, goal kick or throw-in a player in an offside position may be penalised a substitution is requested at penalty kicks, the goalkeeper moves off the goal line before the ball is kicked and if the ball crosses the line; if additional assistant referees have been appointed the assistant referee takes a position in line with the penalty mark 6. The assistant referee s assistance also includes monitoring the substitution procedure. 7. The assistant referee may enter the field of play to help control the 9.15m (10 yards) distance. Law 7: The Duration of the Game: 1. Periods of Play: The game is divided into two equal halves of 30 minutes with no more than 5 minutes at half time. The referee may be required to adjust game timings to accommodate for games starting late of for game interruptions that take away from playing time. Referees should ensure that coaches are informed of game timing adjustments in advance so that coaches can plan for team strategy, player substitutions, and game management. 2. Referees and coaches should enforce game timing discipline on teams. Game periods and overtimes should start on time and teams will be required to move to and from the field of play in an orderly fashion. Excessive time wasting by players and coaches should be sanctioned by the referee issuing cautions (yellow cards) for delaying the restart of play. 3. The clock shall run for the duration of each period including all stoppages of play. The referee shall act as timekeeper and can, at his/her discretion, allow extra playing time for time lost through injury or other cause. The referee can suspend play and the game, at any time, for any serious infringement of the rules or other sufficient cause, such as bad weather or if the field is too wet. 4. The referee must not compensate for a timekeeping error during the first half by changing the length of the second half. Law 8: The Start and Restart of Play: All games will start at the scheduled time. If one or both teams have insufficient players (less than 7) the referee may suspend the start for up to 10 minutes. If, in spite of these efforts, one or both teams have insufficient number of players the game will be abandoned. (As indicated in Law 3 there may be modifications to the rules or the use of Guest Players invoked in order to play a game.) 1. Kick-off Procedure: the team that wins the toss of a coin decides which goal it will attack in the first half their opponents take the kick-off the team that wins the toss takes the kick-off to start the second half for the second half, the teams change ends and attack the opposite goals after a team scores a goal, the restart kick-off is taken from centre by a player of the scored-upon team 9

10 For every kick-off: all players, except the player taking the kick-off, must be in their own half of the field of play the opponents of the team taking the kick-off must be at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball until it is in play the ball must be stationary on the centre mark the referee gives a signal the ball is in play when the ball is kicked and clearly moves in any direction the kicker cannot touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player a goal may be scored directly against the opponents from the kick-off; if the ball directly enters the kicker s own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opponents 2. If the player taking the kick-off touches the ball again before it has touched another player an indirect free kick, or for deliberate handball a direct free kick, is awarded to the opposing team. In the event of any other infringement of the kick-off procedure the kick-off is retaken. 3. Dropped Ball: After any other temporary suspension of play in bounds the referee will drop the ball at the place where the ball was located when the play was stopped. The ball is live after it touches the ground. Any number of players may contest for a dropped ball. The ball is dropped again if it is touched by a player before it makes contact with the field, or if the ball leaves the playing area after it makes contact with the ground without a player touching it. When play has been temporarily stopped inside a goal area, the dropped ball will take place on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped. 4. If a dropped ball enters the goal without touching at least two players play is restarted with: a goal kick if it enters the opponents goal an indirect free kick awarded to the opposing team at the penalty line closest to the dropped ball location if it enters the team s own goal 5. PLAY SHOULD BE WHISTLED DEAD WHENEVER A PLAYER IS INJURED OR FALLS ON THE BALL AND IS IN DANGER OF BEING INJURED. An injured player can only be replaced during a stoppage in play and with the consent of the referee. Play is restarted with a dropped ball. 6. No coach, team official or parent is to be on the field during play nor are they to stand behind the goal area. Law 9: The Ball In and Out of Play: 1. The ball is out of play when it has wholly passed over the goal line or touch line on the ground or in the air or when play has been stopped by the referee. 2. The ball is in play at all other times, including when it rebounds off a match official, goalpost, crossbar or corner flagpost and remains in the field of play. Law 10: Determining the Outcome of a Match: 1. A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided that no offence or infringement of the Laws of the Game has been committed by the team scoring the goal. The team scoring the greater number of goals is the winner. If both teams score no goals or an equal number of goals the match is drawn. The referee will be the sole judge as to whether a goal has been scored. 2. No-goal exceptions: When the ball crosses the goal line directly from an indirect kick under the crossbar and between the posts, no goal will be scored and the game will be restarted with an indirect free kick to the defending team from within the goal area. During the course of the game, should an outside agent assist the ball into the goal, or prevent the ball from entering into the goal, play will be stopped. No goal will be scored and the outside agent will be removed. The referee will restart the game by dropping the ball in accordance with Law 8. 10

11 At the taking of a free kick should the team taking the free kick put the ball directly into their own net without the ball touching anyone, no goal will be scored and the referee will award the opposing team a direct free kick from the edge of the penalty area. 3. Tournament rules may specify an overtime or penalty shootout procedure to be followed in those events where a winner must be determined. Tournament organizers will announce the format prior to each tournament. Overtime 4. In all games in which a winner must be declared (i.e. a tournament), two (2) extra-time (overtime) halves of five (5) minutes each will be played with a one (1) minute break in-between. In accordance with FIFA rules, the team that scores more goals than its opponent during the two extra time (overtime) halves will be declared the winner. (In special circumstances, tournament officials may decide to use a single five (5) minute overtime period and adopt an alternate Golden Goal or sudden-death format where the first goal scored ends the match. Shootouts 5. If, at the end of extra time (overtime period), a tournament game is still tied; shootout kicks will be taken to determine the winner. All players recorded on the team roster (except any players ejected from the game or any player injured and unable to take part) will be eligible to take part in the taking of the kicks. The taking of the shootout kicks will generally be in accordance with Law 14 (Penalty Kicks). The following conditions will apply: a) As indicated in the Code of Conduct and in Law 3, all players (other than the goalkeepers) MUST be afforded equal playing time. Coaches are strongly advised to give all of their players an equal amount of playing time during overtime and the opportunity to participate in the shootout. Where one team has a greater number of players or more of one gender than the opposing team, coaches and referees will have to watch closely to ensure all players have an equal opportunity to participate. b) There may be two phases to the shootout procedure. The first is a round of five-kicks for each team. The team that scores the most goals during this phase wins the game. If the score remains tied then teams advance to the next phase of the shootout, the alternating one-kick for each team. This phase would continue until one team scores one more goal than the other team after taking the same number of kicks. c) The referee will choose the goal at which all of the kicks will be taken. All players except the goalkeeper and the player taking the kick will remain at the center circle or in another acceptable area designated by the referee. d) Each team will designate a captain for the purposes of the coin toss. The referee tosses a coin (or some other method, such as Rock-Paper-Scissors ) and the team whose captain wins the toss will decide whether to take the first or second kick. e) The five-kicks for each team phase. Each coach will select 5 players from their team including at least two of each gender (if available) to take shootout kicks (the goalkeeper may be included). If one team has no players of a gender and the other team has one or more of that gender, then the second team is allowed to select any of their players to participate in this phase of the shootout regardless of gender. Where players of each gender are chosen it is not necessary for the coaches to match each other for gender order during the 1 st round of five-kicks for each-team phase of the shootout. Coaches will determine the shooting order for their players for the shootout and provide this information to the referee. Coaches are not allowed to change the order or gender of kickers after the information has been provided to the referee. f) The defending goalkeeper must remain on the goal line, facing the kicker, and between the goalposts until the ball has been kicked. The ball is positioned stationary on the penalty mark. g) No kicks are allowed until the referee has given the appropriate signal for play to begin. The player taking the penalty kick must kick the ball forward. The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves. No double-touch of 11

12 the ball is allowed. The shootout kick is completed when the ball stops moving, goes out of play (scores a goal or crosses the goal line) or the referee stops play for any infringement of the Laws. A goal may be scored directly from a kick. h) A kick is successful if, having been touched once by the kicker, the ball crosses the goal line between the goal posts and under the crossbar, without touching any player, official, or outside agent other than the defending goalkeeper. The ball may touch the goalkeeper, goal posts, or crossbar any number of times before going into the goal as long as the referee believes the ball's motion is the result of the initial kick. i) Teams take turns to kick from the penalty mark until each has taken five kicks. However, if one side has scored more successful kicks than the other could possibly reach with all of its remaining kicks, the shootout immediately ends regardless of the number of kicks remaining. j) The alternating one-kick for each team phase. If at the end of the five-kicks for each team phase the teams have scored an equal number of successful kicks, additional rounds of alternating one-kick for each team will be used until the tie is broken. k) Each coach will select 5 players from their team to take part in the next round of one-kick for each-team phase of the shootout (the goalkeeper may be included). The team shooting second is encouraged to match the gender of the first team s shooter, i.e. if the first kicker is female, then the second teams kicker could also be a female if one is available and has not already taken a kick. Teams are encouraged to alternate between the genders of their players so that everyone has a chance to participate. If one team has no players of a gender and the other team has one or more of that gender, then the second team is allowed to select any of their players to participate in the shootout regardless of gender. However, as the one-kick for each team phase continues in a tied score, all players must be provided the opportunity to participate in the shootout. Coaches will determine the shooting order for their players for the shootout and provide this information to the referee. Coaches are not allowed to change the order or gender of kickers after the information has been provided to the referee. l) The taking of kicks will continue until such time as both teams have taken an equal number of kicks and one team has scored one goal more than the other. m) All players must remain on the playing area until the tie is broken. n) No player will be allowed to take a second kick until all other eligible players on their team have taken a first kick, including the goalkeeper. o) If it becomes necessary for players to take another kick (because the score has remained equal after all eligible players have taken their first kick), players are not required to kick in the same order. p) Any player who is eligible may change places with the goalkeeper at any time during the taking of the kicks. If a goalkeeper is injured or sent off during the shootout, another player must act as goalkeeper. When changing goalkeepers the coach should inform the referee prior to the substitution. q) The team that scores the most successful kicks at the end of the shootout will be winner of the match. 12

13 10. As indicated in Law 14, infringements of the shootout procedure will be punished. For any infringement of the above Law: a) by the goalkeeper, if a goal is scored, it will count. If a goal is not scored then the kick will be retaken. If the goalkeeper commits an offence and, as a result, the kick is retaken, the goalkeeper must be cautioned. b) by the player taking the kick, if a goal scored, the goal is disallowed. The kick is not retaken. If the player taking the kick kicks the ball before the referee has indicated play is to commence, a goal scored will be disallowed and the player will not be allowed to retake the kick. If the kicker is penalised for an offence committed after the referee has signalled for the kick to be taken, that kick is recorded as missed and the kicker is cautioned. c) If both the goalkeeper and kicker commit an offence at the same time: if the kick is missed or saved, the kick is retaken and both players cautioned if the kick is scored, the goal is disallowed, the kick is recorded as missed and the kicker cautioned d) feinting to kick the ball once the kicker has completed the run-up is not allowed (feinting in the run-up is permitted). Summary of Shootout Kick Infractions Outcome of the Kick Is a Goal Is no Goal Offence by Goalkeeper Goal Kick is retaken. Caution to the goal keeper Infringement by the kicker No goal. No retake of the kick. Kicker is No retake of the kick. Kicker is cautioned. cautioned. Illegal feinting No goal. No retake of No retake of the kick. the kick. Kicking before the No goal. No retake of No retake of the kick. referee signals Infringement by both goalkeeper and kicker the kick. No goal. Kick is not retaken. Kicker is cautioned. Kick is retaken. Both goalkeeper and kicker cautioned. 11. If, for any reason, a game is not completed, the tournament organizers will decide on the outcome of the game. Law 11: Offside: 1. Offside Position: It is not an offence, in itself, to be in an offside position. A player is in an offside position if: any part of the head, body or feet is in the opponents half (excluding the halfway line) and any part of the head, body or feet is nearer to the opponents goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent The hands and arms of all players, including the goalkeepers, are not considered. A player is not in an offside position if level with the: second-last opponent or last two opponents (The halfway line is neutral, meaning a player must have part of the body (excluding arms or hands) in the opponents' half to be flagged offside.) 13

14 2. Offence: A player in an offside position at the moment the ball is played or touched by a team-mate is only penalised on becoming involved in active play by: interfering with play by playing or touching a ball passed or touched by a team-mate or interfering with an opponent by: preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent s line of vision or challenging an opponent for the ball or clearly attempting to play a ball which is close to him when this action impacts on an opponent or making an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball or gaining an advantage by playing the ball or interfering with an opponent when it has: rebounded or been deflected off the goalpost, crossbar, match official, or an opponent been deliberately saved by any opponent A player in an offside position receiving the ball from an opponent who deliberately plays the ball (except from a deliberate save by any opponent) is not considered to have gained an advantage. A save is when a player stops, or attempts to stop, a ball which is going into or very close to the goal with any part of the body except the hands/arms (unless the goalkeeper within the penalty area). In situations where: a player moving from, or standing in, an offside position is in the way of an opponent and interferes with the movement of the opponent towards the ball this is an offside offence if it impacts on the ability of the opponent to play or challenge for the ball; if the player moves into the way of an opponent and impedes the opponent s progress (e.g. blocks the opponent) the offence should be penalised under Law 12. a player in an offside position is moving towards the ball with the intention of playing the ball and is fouled before playing or attempting to play the ball, or challenging an opponent for the ball, the foul is penalised as it has occurred before the offside offence an offence is committed against a player in an offside position who is already playing or attempting to play the ball, or challenging an opponent for the ball, the offside offence is penalised as it has occurred before the foul challenge 3. No Offence: There is no offside offence if a player receives the ball directly from a goal kick, throw in or corner kick. 4. Penalty: If an offside offence occurs, the referee awards an indirect free kick where the offence occurred, including if it is in the player s own half of the field of play. (A free-kick resulting from an offside will always take place where the offence is committed. Offside restarts will now be taken from the point on the field where the offending player was when they became offside. Under the old FIFA laws, the restart would be taken from the point where they were originally in an offside position. If a player runs back into his own half from an offside position and is penalized, the free-kick is taken from the point where they are penalized. This can be well inside their own half, which increases the advantage for the opposing team.) A defending player who leaves the field of play without the referee s permission shall be considered to be on the goal line or touch line for the purposes of offside until the next stoppage in play or until the defending team has played the ball towards the halfway line and it is outside their penalty area. If the player left the field of play deliberately, the player must be cautioned when the ball is next out of play. 14

15 An attacking player may step or stay off the field of play not to be involved in active play. If the player re-enters from the goal line and becomes involved in play before the next stoppage in play, or the defending team has played the ball towards the halfway line and it is outside their penalty area, the player shall be considered to be positioned on the goal line for the purposes of offside. A player who deliberately leaves the field of play and re-enters without the referee s permission and is not penalised for offside and gains an advantage, must be cautioned. If an attacking player remains stationary between the goalposts and inside the goal as the ball enters the goal, a goal must be awarded unless the player commits an offside offence or Law 12 offence in which case play is restarted with an indirect or direct free kick. Law 12: Fouls and Misconducts: There are a number of penalties that can be administered for Fouls and Misconducts including the awarding of a free kick to the opposing team in accordance with Law 13 or the guilty player may also be penalized with a verbal warning, a caution (Yellow Card) or a sending off (Red Card) depending on the severity of the foul or misconduct. Direct and indirect free kicks and penalty kicks can only be awarded for offences and infringements committed when the ball is in play. Fouls are offenses that are committed by a player on the field of play and while the ball is in play. Misconducts are offenses that are committed by a player, substitute or coach, on or off the field of play and while the ball is in or out of play. The Laws of The Game of soccer make special note of the following terms: Careless, reckless, and using excessive force when a foul occurs that involves physical contact between players. Such a foul is penalized by a direct free kick or penalty kick and may involve further disciplinary sanction such as a caution or sending off. Careless means that the player has shown a lack of attention or consideration when making a challenge or acts without precaution (i.e. not taking measures to prevent something dangerous from happening). No further disciplinary sanction beyond a direct kick is needed if a foul is judged to be careless Reckless means that the player has acted with disregard to the danger to, or consequences for, his opponent. A player who plays in a reckless manner must be cautioned (Yellow card) Using excessive force means that the player exceeds the necessary use of force and endangers the safety of an opponent. A player who uses excessive force must be sent off (Red card) 1. DIRECT FREE KICK a) A direct free kick will be awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following infringements against an opponent in a manner considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force: charges at; jumps at; kicks at or attempts to kick; pushes, pulls or holds; strikes or attempts to strike (including head-butt); tackles or challenges; trips or attempts to trip. If an infringement involves physical contact it is penalized by a direct free kick or penalty kick. In the case of physical contact, the referee should carefully consider the high probability that misconduct has also been committed and further discipline may be appropriate (such as a caution or sending off). 15

16 b) A direct free kick will also be awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following offenses: spitting at an opponent or any other person; sliding in an attempt to play the ball (e.g. sliding tackle) while an opponent is playing it or is about to play it, except for the goalkeeper in his own penalty area, provided that he does not endanger the safety of an opponent; tackles an opponent from behind in a manner which could cause injury; any attempt to kick, where the leg is raised high enough and in a reckless manner, so as to pose a danger to other players (As a general rule the foot should not exceed the waist in height in any situation where other players could be contacted.) Bicycle and scissor kicks are not allowed due to inherent danger to participants. impedes an opponent with contact; touching the opponent before the ball when attempting to win possession; handles the ball deliberately i.e. carrying, stopping, striking, propelling or throwing the ball with one s hands or arms, (except for the goalkeeper in his own goal area.). c) The direct free kick will be taken from the place where the infringement occurred, unless the free kick has been awarded to the defending team in its own penalty area, in which case the free kick may be taken from any point inside the penalty area in accordance with Law 13. d) Should a defending player commit one of the above offences within the penalty-area while the ball is in play, irrespective of the position of the ball, a penalty-kick will be awarded to the opposing team in accordance with Law 14. e) Depending on the severity of the foul, players who commit any of the above offences may also receive a caution (shown the Yellow card) or be sent off (shown the Red Card). (E.g. Unsporting behaviour requires a Yellow Card, Serious Foul Play requires a Red Card) Handling the ball involves a deliberate act of a player making contact with the ball with the hand or arm. The following must be considered: the movement of the hand towards the ball (not the ball towards the hand) the distance between the opponent and the ball (unexpected ball) the position of the hand does not necessarily mean that there is an infringement touching the ball with an object held in the hand (clothing, shin-guard, etc.) is an infringement hitting the ball with a thrown object (boot, shin-guard, etc.) is an infringement. The goalkeeper has the same restrictions on handling the ball as any other player outside the penalty area. Inside their penalty area, the goalkeeper cannot be guilty of a handling offence incurring a direct free kick or any related sanction but can be guilty of handling offences that incur an indirect free kick. When a goalkeeper leaves their penalty area, they are subject to all the rules of an ordinary player (i.e., they cannot handle the ball with their hands outside the penalty area, cannot pass the ball back into the penalty area and then run in to handle the ball as goalkeeper, can be challenged for the ball, and can score from any point on the field of play). 2. INDIRECT FREE KICK An indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team from the place where the infringement occurred if, in the opinion of the referee, a player: plays in a dangerous or out-of-control manner. Playing in a dangerous manner is defined as any action that, while trying to play the ball, threatens injury to someone (including the player himself) and includes preventing a nearby opponent from playing the ball for fear of injury. Playing in a dangerous manner involves no physical contact between the Players and is punished ay an indirect free kick.. impedes the progress of an opponent without making contact or deliberately obstructs an opponent when not playing or in possession of the ball. This includes moving into the path of the opponent to obstruct, block, slow down or force a change of direction by an opponent when the ball is not within playing distance of either player. All players have a right to their position on the field of play, being in the way of an opponent is not the same as moving into the way of an opponent. A player may shield the ball by taking a position between an 16

17 opponent and the ball if the ball is within playing distance and the opponent is not held off with the arms or body. If the ball is within playing distance, the player may be fairly challenged by an opponent. is guilty of dissent, using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures or other verbal offences prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball with his/her hands or kicks or attempts to kick the ball when the goalkeeper is in the process of releasing it; plays the ball while lying on the ground or while having a hand/knee on the ground (applies to a player other than the goalkeeper); indulges in tactics which, in the opinion of the referee, are designed merely to delay the progression of the game, thus wasting time, and so give an unfair advantage to his/her own team; commits any other offence not mentioned in the Laws for which play is stopped to caution or send-off a player. An indirect free kick is awarded if a goalkeeper, inside their penalty area, commits any of the following offences: controls the ball with the hands for more than six seconds before releasing it; touches the ball with the hands after: releasing it and before it has touched another player; it has been deliberately kicked to the goalkeeper by a team-mate; receiving it directly from a throw-in taken by a team-mate. A goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball when: the ball is between the hands or between the hand and any surface (e.g. ground, own body) or by touching it with any part of the hands or arms except if the ball rebounds accidentally from the goalkeeper or the goalkeeper has made a save holding the ball in the outstretched open hand bouncing it on the ground or throwing it in the air A goalkeeper cannot be challenged by an opponent when in control of the ball with the hands. 3. DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS Yellow and Red cards may be shown to players, substitutes or substituted players as well as coaches and team officials. The Yellow card is used to communicate that a player, substitute or substituted player, coach or team official has been cautioned. The Red card is issued to communicate that a player, substitute or substituted player, coach or team official has been sent off. The referee has the authority to take disciplinary action from entering the field of play for the pre-match inspection until leaving the field of play after the match ends (including kicks from the penalty mark). If, before entering the field of play at the start of the match, a player, coach or team official commits a sending-off offence, the referee has the authority to prevent that person taking part in the match. The referee will report to the league any misconduct. A player, coach or team official who commits a cautionable or sending-off offence, either on or off the field of play, against an opponent, a teammate, a match official, another team official or any other person is to be disciplined according to the nature of the offence committed. Referees should pay close attention to the nature of any infringement. Circumstances where a player intentionally violated a rule should be differentiated from situations where it is clearly not intentional, occurred while attempting to avoid an infraction or is an involuntary action. It is up to the discretion of the official as to whether the player will receive a verbal warning, Yellow card, or Red card, depending on the severity of the foul or misconduct. Once the referee has decided to caution or send-off a player, play must not be restarted until the sanction has been administered. Advantage If the referee plays the advantage for an offence for which a caution / send-off would have been issued had play been stopped, this caution / send-off must be issued when the ball is next out of play, except when the denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity results in a goal the player is cautioned for unsporting behaviour. 17

18 Advantage should not be applied in situations involving serious foul play, violent conduct or a second cautionable offence unless there is a clear opportunity to score a goal. The referee must send off the player when the ball is next out of play but if the player plays the ball or challenges/interferes with an opponent, the referee will stop play, send off the player and restart with an indirect free kick unless the player committed a more serious offence. a) CAUTIONABLE OFFENCES A player will be cautioned, shown the Yellow card if in the opinion of the referee, he commits any of the following infringements: shows by word or action, dissent from any decision given by the referee; excessive celebration of a goal; persistent infringement of the Laws of the Game (no specific number or pattern of infringements constitutes persistent ); delaying the restart of play; failure to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick, throw-in, goal kick or free kick; enters, re-enters or deliberately leaves the playing area after the game has commenced without the referees permission; unsporting behavior. A substitute or substituted player is cautioned if guilty of: delaying the restart of play; dissent by word or action; entering or re-entering the field of play without the referee s permission; unsporting behaviour. There are different circumstances when a player must be cautioned for unsporting behaviour, shown the Yellow Card, e.g. if a player: commits in a reckless manner a direct free kick offence commits a foul or handles the ball for the tactical purpose of interfering with or stop a promising attack except where the referee awards a penalty kick for an offence which was an attempt to play the ball denies an opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by an offence which was an attempt to play the ball and the referee awards a penalty kick holds an opponent for the tactical purpose of pulling the opponent away from the ball or preventing the opponent from getting to the ball handles the ball to prevent an opponent gaining possession, developing an attack or in an unsuccessful attempt a goal (other than the goalkeeper within his own goal area) attempts to deceive the referee by feigning injury or pretending to have been fouled (simulation) changes places with the goalkeeper during play or without the referee s permission acts in a manner which shows a lack of respect for the game plays the ball when he is leaving the field of play after being granted permission to leave the field of play verbally distracts an opponent during play or at a restart makes unauthorized marks on the field of play shows a lack of respect for the game uses a deliberate trick to pass the ball (including from a free kick) to the goalkeeper with the head, chest, knee, etc. to circumvent the Law, whether or not the goalkeeper touches the ball with the hands. If a defender starts holding an attacker outside the penalty area and continues holding inside the penalty area, the referee must award a penalty kick. Delaying the restart of play Referees must caution players who delay the restart of play by: delaying leaving the field of play when being substituted; excessively delaying a restart; kicking or carrying the ball away, or provoking a confrontation by deliberately touching the ball after the referee has stopped play; taking a free kick from the wrong position to force a retake. 18

19 In addition to the caution, if the game is stopped to administer the penalty, and provided that the ball was in play at the time of the offense, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team from the point closest to the infringement. b) SENDING-OFF OFFENCES A player or a substitute will be shown the Red card and sent off, if in the opinion of the referee, he commits any of the following offences: Serious foul play. A player is guilty of serious foul play if he/she uses excessive force or brutality against an opponent when challenging for the ball when it is in play. Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force and endangering the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play; Violent conduct. A player is guilty of violent conduct if he/she uses or attempts to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent when not challenging for the ball. He/She is also guilty of violent conduct if they use excessive force or brutality against a team-mate, spectator, match official or any other person regardless of whether contact is made. Violent conduct may occur either on the field of play or outside its boundaries whether the ball is in play or not. In addition, a player who, when not challenging for the ball, deliberately strikes an opponent or any other person on the head or face with the hand or arm, is guilty of violent conduct unless the force used was negligible. intentionally making contact with the game official; spitting at an opponent or any other person; denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (with the exception of a goalkeeper inside his own goal area); denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity to an opponent whose overall movement is towards the player s goal by committing an offence punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick; scoring or attempting to score a goal by deliberately handling the ball; using offensive, insulting or abusive language or gestures; taunting or fighting; persistent dissent by words or actions to the referee; persisting in misconduct after receiving a caution; receiving a second Yellow Card in the same match. (Players running across the field to contest referee decisions, arguing face-to-face with officials, and "visibly disrespectful" actions directed towards the referee will result in yellow cards. Red cards will be issued to players who confront officials and use insulting and/or offensive language or gestures towards them.) Where a player denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by a deliberate handball offence the player is sent off wherever the offence occurs. Where a player commits an offence against an opponent within their own penalty area which denies an opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and the referee awards a penalty kick, the offender is cautioned if the offence was an attempt to play the ball; in all other circumstances (e.g. holding, pulling, pushing, no possibility to play the ball etc.) the offending player must be sent off. A player, sent off player, substitute or substituted player who enters the field of play without the required referee s permission and interferes with play or an opponent and denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity is guilty of a sending-off offence. The following must be considered: distance between the offence and the goal general direction of the play likelihood of keeping or gaining control of the ball location and number of defenders 19

20 (Under the old FIFA law a player who denied a goal-scoring opportunity in the box was automatically red-carded and handed a suspension, as well as giving away a penalty. (This was often called the triple-punishment law.) The law has now been changed so players committing accidental fouls that deny goal-scoring opportunities in the penalty area will not be automatically sent off, with a yellow card sufficient punishment.) When a denial of a goal-scoring opportunity offence is committed by a defender in the penalty area, the penalty kick effectively restores the goal-scoring opportunity so the punishment for the player should be less strong (e.g. a yellow card) than when the offence is committed outside the penalty area. However, when the offence is a handball or clearly not a genuine attempt to play or challenge for the ball, the player will be sent off. Offences where an object (or the ball) is thrown In all cases, the referee takes the appropriate disciplinary action: reckless caution the offender for unsporting behaviour using excessive force send off the offender for violent conduct. If, before a game has commenced a player commits a sending-off offense and is prevented from taking part in the game, the penalized team will not be required to play short for the remainder of the game. A player receiving a Red card during the game will be required to leave the field and will not be substituted for during the game. The penalized team plays 1 player short for the remainder of the game. Any Red carded player will also be suspended for the next game. The sent-off player must leave the field of play for the remainder of the game. The sent-off player may not sit with his/her team mates in the team s technical area or sit with the spectators. The sent-off player is required to leave the vicinity of the field of play and may not return even after the game is completed. Any participant who has been ejected from the game, and who has left the vicinity of the field of play and who then returns to the field of play or vicinity for any reason shall be subject to further discipline. The vicinity of the field of play is anyplace where the ejected participant can interact with game participants in any manner including but not limited to shouting. If a sentoff player attempts to continue misconduct with players, coaches, match officials or spectators near the field of play or in an adjoining parking lot, they will be referred to the League Discipline Committee. Restart of play after fouls and misconduct If the ball is out of play, play is restarted according to the previous decision If the ball is in play and a player commits an offence inside the field of play against: an opponent indirect or direct free kick or penalty kick a team-mate, substitute, substituted or sent off player, team official or a match official a direct free kick or penalty kick any other person a dropped ball If, when the ball is in play: a player commits an offence against a match official or an opposing player, substitute, substituted or sent off player, or team official outside the field of play or a substitute, substituted or sent off player, or team official commits an offence against, or interferes with, an opposing player or match official outside the field of play, play is restarted with a free kick on the boundary line nearest to where the offence/interference occurred; a penalty kick is awarded if this is a direct free kick offence within the offender s penalty area. If a player standing on or off the field of play throws an object (including the ball) at an opposing player, substitute, substituted or sent off player, or team official, match official or the ball, play is restarted with a direct free kick from the position where the object struck or would have struck the person or the ball. If this position is off the field of play, the free kick is taken on the nearest point on the boundary line; a penalty kick is awarded if this is within the offender s penalty area. 20

21 If a substitute, substituted or sent off player, player temporarily off the field of play or team official throws or kicks an object onto the field of play and it interferes with play, an opponent or match official, play is restarted with a direct free kick (or penalty kick) where the object interfered with play or struck or would have struck the opponent, match official or the ball. c) COACH AND TEAM OFFICIAL INFRACTIONS Coach and Team Officials are expected to be models of positive behaviour to their players and spectators. Coaches and Team Officials may be cautioned and shown the Yellow card, if in the opinion of the referee, he commits any of the following infringements: unsporting behaviour; shows by word or action, dissent from any decision given by the referee; encouraging a player to violate the Laws of the Game or attempting to create an unfair advantage for their players by behaviour that violates the Laws of the Game; failing to correct or control the behaviour of their players; failing to correct or control the behaviour of parents, spectators and team supporters; delaying the restart of play; failing to give all players the opportunity to play equal time; enters the playing area after the game has commenced or during a stoppage of play without the referees permission; acts in a manner which shows a lack of respect for the game. A coach or team official will be shown the Red card and sent off, if in the opinion of the referee, he commits any of the following offences: intentionally making contact with the game official; violent conduct; spitting at an opponent or any other person; interfering with an opposing player by entering the field of play or obstructing them from the team bench area; using offensive, insulting or abusive language or gestures; taunting or fighting; persistent dissent by words or actions to the referee; persisting in misconduct after receiving a caution; is given a second Yellow Card in the same match. Use of abusive language and/or profanity by a coach or team official will not be tolerated. Offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures will be penalized by the coach or team official being suspended for the remainder of the game. The sent-off coach or team official must leave the playing area for the remainder of the game and is required to leave the vicinity of the field of play. The sent-off coach or team official may not stand with his players in the team s technical area or sit in the stands with the spectators. The sent-off coach or team official is required to leave the vicinity of the playing area and may not return even after the game is completed. Any participant who has been ejected from the game, and who has left the vicinity of the playing area and who returns to the vicinity for any reason shall be subject to further discipline. The vicinity of the playing area is anyplace where the ejected participant can interact with game participants in any manner including but not limited to shouting. If a sent-off coach or team official attempts to continue misconduct with players, coaches, match officials or spectators in the parking lot, they will be referred to the League Discipline Committee. If there is not a second coach or team official at the team bench to assume coaching responsibilities, the referee may ask for a parent to come to the bench and assume coaching duties for the remainder of the game. If no-one is available to assume the coaching responsibilities then the game will be suspended. Coach and team officials sent-off with a red card will be automatically suspended from their team s next match. They will be referred to the League Disciplinary Committee for further review. 21

22 d) SPECTATOR INFRACTIONS Regina Inter-Zone Indoor Soccer encourages good sporting behaviours and team spirit. Cheering and praise of players and their accomplishments are encouraged. Booing, taunting, harassment, swearing or any other negative activity is not tolerated. Spectators, parents and team supporters are not to criticize game officials at any time and shall encourage good sporting behaviours towards all. Coaches are required to assist referees in dealing with unruly spectators. The league will not tolerate coaches, spectators or other persons committing acts of misconduct, harassment, verbal abuse, foul language or abuse of the referee or any other game participant. Referees have the authority to stop a game to discuss with coaches any improper behaviour taking place on or off the field of play and to request the coach s assistance to resolve problems, warn offenders and if necessary to direct offenders to leave the vicinity of the field of play. If the offender persists in these actions the referee will direct the game to be suspended. All instances of this sort must be reported to the league for further discipline. The referee can ask any coach, team official, parent, team supporter, or spectator arguing with, or disrespecting the referee, causing disruption to the game, using offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures, or engaged in physical abuse or acts of sexual harassment to leave the field of play. Use of abusive language and/or profanity parent or spectator will not be tolerated. Offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures will be penalized by the parent or spectator being suspended for the remainder of the game. e) FURTHER DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS During the season players that are sent off with a Red card will be automatically suspended from their team s next match. During this one game suspension the player is not to attend the game. Each incident where a player receives a Red Card in a tournament will be reviewed by the League Executive. The Red Carded player may be allowed to return for the next game, as decided by the Tournament Officials based on consultation with the Referee. Players ejected for violent play, abusive behaviour or serious foul play will not be allowed to return for the next game. During a tournament any player dismissed twice (shown two Red Cards) will take no further part in said tournament. Referees will report all Red Card offences to the League Referee Coordinator/Discipline Committee. A copy of the referee report will also be sent to the Zone Coordinator for their consideration of further disciplinary sanctions. A player who receives two Red Cards in a season will be reviewed by the Discipline Committee and further disciplinary sanctions may be levied. Further disciplinary sanctions could include multiple-game or entire season suspensions. Two players and/or coaches being ejected from the same team in one game will result in a default loss to the offending team. When this occurs, the referee will suspend the game at that point and require teams to leave the playing area. The referee will submit a report to the Discipline Committee. The referee will report, to the appropriate authority, any misconduct by players, coaches, spectators or other persons which takes place on the playing area or within its vicinity at any time prior to, during, or after the game. The League Referee Coordinator/Discipline Committee will review all incidences of serious player, coach or spectator misconduct. The referee will report, to the appropriate authority, any misconduct by players, coaches, spectators or other persons which takes place on the field of play or within its vicinity at any time prior to, during, or after the game. 22

23 The League Discipline Committee will review all incidences of coach or spectator misconduct. If serious problems arise or repeated incidents of misconduct over the season occur, the League reserves the right to issue further sanctions against the offending individual or family, which may include suspension from further involvement in Regina Inter-zone activities or refusal to allow the family to take part in further soccer activity for the balance of the current year and the next soccer season. These sanctions will be communicated to other zone soccer associations. Law 13: The Free Kick: Direct and indirect free kicks are awarded to the opposing team of a player guilty of an offence or infringement. Direct - goal can be scored directly from the kicker Indirect - goal cannot be scored unless the ball is touched by another player before entering the goal. 1. Free kicks when awarded to the opposing team will be taken at the place where the offence occurred or from the position of the ball when the infringement occurred (according to the type of infringement) except for the special circumstance where the offence occurred within a goal area. A free kick awarded to the defending team inside its own goal area is taken from any point within the goal area. An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team in its opponents goal area is taken from the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. 2. Free kicks for offences involving a player entering, re-entering or leaving the field of play without permission are taken from the position of the ball when play was stopped. However, if a player leaves the field of play as part of play and commits an offence against another player, play is restarted with a free kick taken on the boundary line nearest to where the offence occurred; for direct free kick offences a penalty kick is awarded if this is within the offender s penalty area. 3. When a player is taking a free kick outside their own penalty area, all opposing players shall be at least 9 metres (10 yards) away from the ball unless they are standing on their own goal line between the goal posts. If a free kick is taken from outside their own penalty area and the ball is kicked back into the penalty area to their goalkeeper, the keeper can directly receive the ball inside the penalty area but cannot pick up the ball with their hands. 4. When a player is taking a free kick inside their own penalty area, all opposing players must be at least 9 metres (10 yards) from the ball and outside the penalty area until the ball is in play. The ball is in play when it is kicked directly out of the penalty area. 5. The ball must be stationary for the taking of a free kick. The kicker cannot play the ball a second time until it is touched by another player. The referee may direct the re-taking of the free kick if the opposing team encroaches within 9 metres (10 yards) or within the penalty area. The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves in any direction. 6. The Direct Free Kick: If the ball enters the goal if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the opponents goal, a goal is awarded if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the team s own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team 7. The Indirect Free Kick: If the ball enters the goal A goal can be scored only if the ball subsequently touches another player before it enters the goal: if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the opponents goal, a goal kick is awarded if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the team s own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team 23

24 8. Players must retire the required distance to allow free kicks to be made. However the non-offending team has the right to put the ball in play before a player from the other team has retired the full distance or they may request the referee to ensure the required distance is given by instructing players to move back or by marking out the required distance on the playing area. Players are encouraged to put the ball in play as quickly as possible. The referee will not whistle to restart play unless a player requests the referee to measure the opposing team's wall distance. A player who does not retire the required distance, or who dances about or gestures in a manner calculated to distract an opponent, or delays the taking of the free kick, may be cautioned for Unsporting Behaviour. An opponent who deliberately prevents a free kick being taken quickly must be cautioned for delaying the restart of play. If, when a free kick is taken quickly by the defending team from inside its penalty area, any opponents are inside the penalty area because they did not have time to leave, the referee allows play to continue. If an opponent who is in the penalty area when the free kick is taken, or enters the penalty area before the ball is in play, touches or challenges for the ball before it has touched another player, the free kick is retaken. If, when a free kick is taken by the defending team inside its penalty area, the ball is not kicked directly out of the penalty area the kick is retaken. If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again before it has touched another player an indirect free kick is awarded. If the kicker deliberately handles the ball: a direct free kick is awarded a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kicker s penalty area unless the kicker was the goalkeeper in which case an indirect free kick is awarded 9. Taking the kick: A free kick can be taken by lifting the ball with a foot or both feet simultaneously. Feinting to take a free kick to confuse opponents is permitted as part of football. If a player, while correctly taking a free kick, intentionally kicks the ball at an opponent in order to play the ball again but not in a careless or reckless manner or using excessive force, the referee allows play to continue. Law 14: The Penalty Kick: 1. A penalty kick is awarded if a player commits a direct free kick offence inside their penalty area or off the field as part of play as outlined in Laws 12 and The ball shall be stationary and placed on the penalty mark. Only the designated kicker and the defending goalkeeper shall be inside the penalty area. The defending goalkeeper must remain on the goal line, facing the kicker, between the goalposts until the ball has been kicked. The players other than the kicker and goalkeeper must be: at least 9.15 metres (10 yards) from the penalty mark behind the penalty mark inside the field of play outside the penalty area 3. The player taking the penalty kick must kick the ball forward; back-heeling is permitted provided the ball moves forward. The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves. The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player. The penalty kick is completed when the ball stops moving, goes out of play (scores a goal or crosses the goal line) or the referee stops play for any infringement of the Laws. 4. Additional time is allowed for a penalty kick to be taken and completed at the end of each half of the match or extra time. When additional time is allowed, the penalty kick is completed when, after the kick has been taken, the ball stops moving, goes out of play, is played by any player (including the kicker) other than the defending goalkeeper, or the referee stops play for an offence by the kicker or the kicker s team. If a defending team player (including the goalkeeper) commits an offence and the penalty is missed/saved, the penalty is retaken. 24

25 5. Offences and sanctions Once the referee has signalled for a penalty kick to be taken, the kick must be taken. If, before the ball is in play, one of the following occurs: the player taking the penalty kick or a team-mate offends: if the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken if the ball does not enter the goal, the referee stops play and restarts with an indirect free kick except for the following when play will be stopped and restarted with an indirect free kick, regardless of whether or not a goal is scored: a penalty kick is kicked backwards a team-mate of the identified kicker takes the kick; the referee cautions the player who took the kick feinting to kick the ball once the kicker has completed the run-up (feinting in the run-up is permitted); the referee cautions the kicker the goalkeeper or a team-mate offends: if the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded if the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken; the goalkeeper is cautioned if responsible for the offence a player of both teams offends the Laws of the Game, the kick is retaken unless a player commits a more serious offence (e.g. illegal feinting); if both the goalkeeper and kicker commit an offence at the same time: if the kick is missed or saved, the kick is retaken and both players cautioned if the kick is scored, the goal is disallowed, the kicker is cautioned and play restarts with an indirect free kick to the defending team If, after the penalty kick has been taken: the kicker touches the ball again before it has touched another player: an indirect free kick (or direct free kick for deliberate hand ball) is awarded the ball is touched by an outside agent as it moves forward: the kick is retaken unless the ball is going into the goal and the interference does not prevent the goalkeeper or a defending player playing the ball, in which case the goal is awarded if the ball enters the goal (even if contact was made with the ball) unless the ball enters the opponents goal. the ball rebounds into the field of play from the goalkeeper, the crossbar or the goalposts and is then touched by an outside agent: the referee stops play play is restarted with a dropped ball at the position where it touched the outside agent Summary of Penalty Kick Infractions Outcome of the Kick Is a Goal Is no Goal Encroachment by Attacking Player No goal. Penalty is Retaken Indirect Free Kick to Defending team Encroachment by Defending Goal Penalty is Retaken Player Encroachment by Both No goal. Penalty is Retaken Penalty is Retaken Offence by Goalkeeper Goal Penalty is retaken; caution for goalkeeper Ball kicked backwards No goal. Indirect free kick Indirect free kick Illegal feinting No goal. Indirect free kick; caution for kicker Indirect free kick; caution for kicker Wrong kicker No goal. Indirect free kick; caution Indirect free kick; caution for Goalkeeper and kicker at same time for kicker No goal. Indirect free kick; caution for kicker. kicker Penalty is retaken; caution for both goalkeeper and kicker. 25

26 Law 15: The Throw-In: 1. A throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole of the ball passes over the touch line, on the ground or in the air. 2. A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in: if the ball enters the opponents goal a goal kick is awarded if the ball enters the thrower s goal a corner kick is awarded 3. At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower must: face the field of play have part of each foot on the touch line or on the ground outside the touch line throw the ball with both hands from behind and over the head from the point where it left the field of play 4. All opponents must stand at least 2 metres (2 yards) from the point at which the throw-in is taken. The ball is in play when it enters the field of play. If the ball touches the ground before entering, the throw-in is retaken by the same team from the same position. If the throw-in is not taken correctly it is retaken by the opposing team. 5. If a player, while correctly taking a throw-in, intentionally throws the ball at an opponent in order to play the ball again but neither in a careless nor a reckless manner nor using excessive force, the referee allows play to continue. The thrower must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. 6. If, after the ball is in play, the thrower touches the ball again before it has touched another player an indirect free kick is awarded; if the thrower deliberately handles the ball: a direct free kick is awarded a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the thrower s penalty area unless the ball was handled by the defending team s goalkeeper in which case an indirect free kick is awarded 7. Opposing players must be at least 2 metres (2 yards) from the point of the throw-in is taken. An opponent who unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower (including moving closer than 2 metres (2 yards) to the place where the throw-in is to be taken) is cautioned for unsporting behaviour and if the throw-in has been taken an indirect free kick is awarded. NOTE: If the ball is improperly thrown-in one re-throw will be allowed. If still improper, then the other team will be given the ball to attempt a throw-in. Law 16: The Goal kick: 1. When the ball totally passes over the goal-line outside the goal posts and is last touched by an attacking player, a goal kick is given to the defending team. The ball must be stationary and is kicked from any point within the goal area by the goalkeeper or a player of the defending team. The ball is live after it leaves the penalty area. No attacker may enter the penalty area until the ball is live. The kicker cannot replay the ball until it is touched by another player. A goal can be scored from a goal kick but only against the opposing team. 2. If the ball does not leave the penalty area or is touched by a player before it leaves the penalty area the kick is retaken. If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again before it has touched another player an indirect free kick is awarded. If the kicker deliberately handles the ball: a direct free kick is awarded a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kicker s penalty area unless the kicker was the goalkeeper in which case an indirect free kick is awarded. 3. If an opponent who is in the penalty area when the goal kick is taken or enters the penalty area before the ball is in play, touches or challenges for the ball before it has touched another player, the goal kick is retaken. If a player enters the penalty area before the ball is in play and fouls or is fouled by an opponent, the goal kick is retaken and the offender may be cautioned or sent off depending on the offence. For any other infringement of this Law the kick is retaken. 26

27 Law 17: The Corner kick: 1. A corner kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the defending team, and a goal is not scored. 2. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick, but only against the opposing team; if the ball directly enters the kicker s goal a corner kick is awarded to the opponents. 3. For a corner kick the ball must be placed in the corner area nearest to the point where the ball passed over the goal line. The ball must be stationary and is kicked by a player of the attacking team. The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves; it does not need to leave the corner area. The corner flagpost must not be moved. Opponents must remain at least 9.15 metres (10 yards) from the corner arc until the ball is in play. 4. If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again before it has touched another player an indirect free kick is awarded; if the kicker deliberately handles the ball: a direct free kick is awarded a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kicker s penalty area unless the kicker was the goalkeeper in which case an indirect free kick is awarded 5. If a player, while correctly taking a corner kick, intentionally kicks the ball at an opponent in order to play the ball again but not in a careless or reckless manner or using excessive force, the referee allows play to continue. For any other infringement of this Law the kick is retaken. Tournament Rules which differ from League Play Eligible Players - Only players listed on the team rosters are allowed to play. Teams must have a team roster with them for each game. Equipment Check - At the start of each game, the referee will check the player s equipment for eligibility. Bad Weather - Discretion will be left to the Regina West Zone Soccer Association Executive and the coaches at the field, as to whether the game should be shortened. The Tournament Organizers will make all decisions regarding cancellation of games. Game Start Time - All games will start at the scheduled time, unless held up due to an extended game (overtime or shootout). A parent or coach should go to the next field to advise the opposition coach. Otherwise, teams should be at the Field 15 minutes before game time. Team Not Ready to Start - If a team is not ready to play at the scheduled time, one goal will be awarded to the opposition for each 5 minute delay or portion thereof. The time lost will be deducted from the playing time. After 15 minutes, the game is forfeited by the team without enough players or refuses to play. Overtime - The Tournament instructions will outline the format to be used for all overtime periods. Normally overtime consists of two 5 minute halves, changing ends at half time with a 1 minute halftime break. Teams will play the full time during overtime. NO GOLDEN GOAL unless the League specifies. Shootout Shootouts will be conducted in accordance with Law 10 unless tournament instructions specify otherwise. Red Card - Each incident where a player receives a Red Card will be reviewed by the League Executive. The Red Carded player may be allowed to return for the next game, as decided by the Tournament Officials based on consultation with the Referee, Players ejected for violent or serious foul play will not be allowed to return for the next game. 27

28 DISPUTES ARE TO BE RESOLVED IN FAVOUR OF THE KIDS! Any complaints concerning the wording of the rules, actions of an opposing coach, intoxication of any coach or any other problems are to be submitted in writing, signed and delivered to the West Zone Board Office within 4 days of the incident to allow the WZSA Board to take any necessary action. They can be mailed to: Regina West Zone Soccer Assoc. Inc. Box 35022, Sherwood Village RPO, Regina, Sask. S4X 4C6. Concerns can be ed through our website or sent to wzb@sasktel.net. You can also call the West Zone Board Office located at the Northwest Leisure Centre at For participants of the other zones of Inter-Zone, please contact your respective Zone representatives. Complaints through social media will not be acknowledged. Contact us with your concerns so that they can be investigated and responded to. Please provide your full name and contact information so that we may contact you for further information or to respond to your concerns. We recommend a 24-hour cooling-off period as the heat-of-the-moment may influence the tone and content of the conversation. Please be as constructive in your comments as possible. Remember that our goal is to contribute to the betterment of the soccer experience for everyone. 28